Bruce Ross and his black lab, “Tar the Wonder Dog”
A February 2019 Volunteer Newsletter article by Bruce Ross, Executive Director
Ok, so I admit to being a WWA rookie… but I’m impressed with the team.
If you read the monthly Membership newsletter, you may have seen that in my new role as Executive Director for the WWA, I am actively “seeking to understand” WWA and its members. Initially, by trying to fathom the various ways volunteers contribute to the Wisconsin waterfowling (W2) value proposition—and what value WWA brings to your lives.
So here’s what I understand about WWA volunteers so far—we have:
- Dedicated habitat “technicians” who, in the Adopt-a-Wildlife Area program – and on the Abrams property, get their boots, hands and gear muddy while improving our state public hunting lands OR hatch more ducklings in our nesting program OR grow more wild rice in our local lakes OR improve access to quality waterfowling experiences. (I’ll be getting chainsaw certified with this group March 16th—interested?);
- Remarkable leaders of fundraising events (banquets, golf outings, bashes, class A raffles, etc.) whose creativity, community energy and organizational skills are critical to sustaining and growing our organization’s impact on W2;
- Committed hunting educators who teach youth (and adults) how to hunt, and help DNR wardens understand what duck hunting is all about;
- Historic-minded waterfowlers who sustain our W2 traditions through duck-calling and carving expositions;
- Remarkably engaged Directors on the WWA board who volunteer enormous levels of resources (time and money) to the things that will make the W2 experience better.
I’m sure there are other groups I’m missing, but I’m new — please forgive me!
I further understand that only about 10% of WWA members commit their time, talents and energy to volunteer efforts. While all Members put their money where their mouths are (and this is incredibly important), our Volunteers commit to action. If waterfowlers around the state knew — they would thank you. Now I know, so thank you.
Continuing with the theme of seeking to understand… please help by sharing what brings you to this W2 team, what do you want to do on (and for) this W2 team, how can your volunteer effort be better used, or… Call me at 262-224-4949, or email me at bruceross@wi.rr.com and give me your thinking on these — or other — topics. I’ve had some other takers of this offer already, and they have led to great conversations and changed my thinking about WWA as a result.
So again, I’m impressed. And, so is my black lab, “Tar the Wonder Dog”. If you do the Twitter thing, you may want to check out Tar at her new-ish Twitter account (@SaltyTarDog). She’s learning to tweet about her experiences with WWA, in the field, and around the house with her goofy younger, half-sis, Callie. You could be her first follower if you get there quick!